Tadasana – The Mountain Pose

By Yogatma Srihari

Tadasana or mountain pose, though deceptively simple, has complex benefits. It can help correct muscle imbalances, improve posture, and deepen awareness. Tadasana, in Sanskrit means a mountain or a tree posture and is the foundation for all the standing asanas.

How to perform
Stand firmly on the ground, preferably facing the morning sun. Keep both hands in namaskar posture above the head. It can also be done with interlocking fingers and palms stretching upward. Another way of doing the mountain pose is by interlocking both hands and palms.

Position of legs
Keep your feet firmly on the ground
Place your toes on the ground and lift your heels
Now move your legs apart in a mountain posture

The posture is performed in two stretches. First by stretching the body hip down to the feet. The other stretch is from the hip upward till the tip of the fingers.

This aasana can be done for a duration of 10 seconds and can be stretched up to five minutes with continued practice. This can be done by both males and females without any restriction. Females can avoid doing this aasana for a long time during their periods. There is no age barrier for practicing this aasana.

BENEFITS
? Strengthens feet, calf muscle, knees, thighs and hips
? Strengthens digestive system, including digestion, absorption and elimination
? Removes blockages in lungs and increases lung space
? Strengthens heart muscles
? Reduces blockages in the heart
? Improves blood circulation
? Improves functions of the brain
? Strengthens the nervous system
? Is anti-ageing

( The author is a yoga guru, entrepreneur and motivational speaker.)